Rack and Pinion Issues

I have a PS leak. I wiped everything dry and drove the truck to find a stream coming from the control valve housing on top of the rack. Is it possible to just pull that off and replace it or is it part of the rack as a whole? It’s essentially where the spindle comes out on the top.

 

It's possible but you have to make or buy a special tool to remove it.there are a few videos and write ups but you have to dig for them. Sorry I don't have them saved anymore. I was experiencing the sam3 problem ,I ended up just getting a rebuild with a lifetime warranty.

 

Mcgeorge toyota has whole racks with inner tie rods for $495 right now btw.

I need one. My racks hissin n' pissin.

 

Just picked one up at that price. It's nice, it's shiny. Not sure what I'm going to do with the old one though!

 

Is the turning radius the same as the original or have they tightened it up a bit?

 

I'm not sure that would even be possible... These 1st gen trucks have a fairly decent turning radius anyway. I'm sure there are larger factors at play than the rack.

 

My kids truck is leaking as well. Looks like autozone has a lifetime warranty. I’m going to buy it right now and see how it goes.

 

I’ve read in another conversation that a loose steering wheel could be caused by a worn rubber bushing where the column connects to the rack. Maybe this is the “looseness” I’m experiencing.

 

At least you'll know exactly what you're doing the second time you have to swap your rack due to junk store parts.

I think you may want to keep researching- as it seems you don't have a clear picture of what the issue or solution actually is. I think what you're attempting to describe is the rag joint, but I would only start looking towards that after changing out the steering rack bushings (rubber bushings that hold the rack to the frame- not the steering wheel).

For both of you though- Timmy has excellent videos on his youtube page that detail replacing the steering rack bushings, the whole rack, and even another video about the tack weld mod in the steering column. It seems worth your time to watch them all so that you understand a bit more about the various components in the steering system on these trucks.

 

Yep! Rack bushings were the first thing we replaced. Then inner/outer tie-rods. Then we flushed the power steering fluid. It’s definitely better than it was but I’m wondering if it’s worth the $$$ to update the rack now or wait until there isn’t an option. Thx for your insight!